Experts are examining the reasons why many of America's brides seem to be wrapped up in a love affair with the perfect wedding.

At a time when American consumers are pinching their pockets, the $50 billion wedding industry continues to boom.

Katherine Jellison, an Ohio University professor, has written a new book examining the high cost of American weddings.

The book is titled, "It's Our Day: America's Love Affair With The White Wedding."

In it, Jellison states that the average cost of a wedding today is $30,000.